Spreadsheets are currently one of the most widely used tools for creating lists , organizing items, and, of course, performing calculations . Before the advent of the first software of this type, they were generally filled out by hand. They consisted of rows and columns.
But unlike the old ones, digital ones offer more features and the result is achieved in a practical way.
One of these features is the ability to create cell references . This is also one of the fundamental aspects of creating a basic Microsoft Excel document . We invite you to read the following post to learn more about it.
What is a cell reference in Microsoft Excel and what is it used for in a spreadsheet?
This is a feature that has been available since the earliest versions of Microsoft Excel. It made a significant difference compared to its competitors. The best way to understand how it works is through a simple analogy . Imagine you are looking at a spreadsheet and you need to enter the sum of two other values into one cell.
Instead of typing the result, you connect the related cells with a thread . Keep in mind that you can do the same with the result cell and other cells on the same sheet, or even on a different page. In the program, this is an efficient way to indicate that the value or result of one or more cells should be reflected in a different cell.
Learn step by step how to use cell references in Excel
As we mentioned before, mastering this feature within Excel is essential before you can start using its more powerful functions . It's a very simple operation, although there are variations depending on the desired result.
Let's look at the main ones:
From one cell to another
This is the simplest method. To do this, you must write the letter and number that refer to the information you are interested in, preceded by an equal sign.
For example.
- On a blank sheet of paper, write the value "=23" in cell “C2”.
- Next, write in any other, (it can be the "A1"the function “=C2”.
- Thereby the result of the first cell we referenced will be reflected in the second.
Another way to achieve the same result, but this time using a keyboard and mouse combination, is as follows:
- Enter any number in the cells that you want. For example, the ones you'll see in the image.
- Next, in the cell that will refer, write the sign "=".
- Click on the cell you will be referencing and press "Enter" Finally, you can add operations with other cells or values to this procedure.
Range
A second possibility offered by this tool is to reference a group of contiguous cells , which are called a "Range".
Follow these steps to achieve it:
- Si vas a perform the sum of the values included in that range, write in an empty cell “=SUM(“.
- Next, select, dragging the left click about the cells to be added.
- Close the operation by writing the missing sign “)” and press "Enter".
Another sheet
It is even permitted to reference a cell or range that is outside the current sheet, but within the same workbook (document).
This is very useful when working with long documents that contain separate pages:
- Supposing that Your document already has several pages.With values expressed in different cells, write in the cell that will reference "=".
- Next, select the cell to reference, regardless of location or sheet.
- Balance “Enter" to end.
We recommend this method over manual entry, as the sheet name might change . However, if you wish to enter it manually, the formula is “=Sheet3!A1” , where the sheet is number “3” and the cell within it is “A1” . If it's renamed, it would be “='Second Sheet'!A1” , where “ Second Sheet” is the renamed sheet and “A1” is the cell location.
